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The world of DIY craftsmanship is both rewarding and dangerous. Many times the burgeoning DIYer will be forced to utilize tools outside of their immediate comfort zone.

Even if you practice all of the proper safety protocols it is still a possibility that you will get hurt.

Accidents can happen–you can’t control them. Without being able to control accidents, outside of following safe protocols, it will help you to be aware of issues that can possibly crop up.

I’ve decided to pull together a variety of different tips and pieces of advice for common DIY projects around the home. Check ‘em out.

Fire Related Accidents

Accidents involving fire are dangerous, scary, and always fast acting. A fire can start and spread in the blink of an eye and cause damage throughout your home while putting your own life in danger. To follow proper fire safety protocol is absolutely important.

Keep heaters and open flames away from your furniture and any hanging curtains. You want any flames to be well out of striking distance were a breeze to take it.

Do not leave pans unattended while fry fat or any other substances. Kitchen accidents are one of the most common causes of house fires.

Electrical Related Accidents

When we work on a new project the odds are good that we will have to deal with electical wiring at some point. It’s not a fun part of the job but it is necessary. What is even more important than a great project is well practiced electrical safety habits.

Every five years you need to have your house wiring inspected by a licensed professional. Unless you are licensed, this is one DIY project you’ll want to step away from.

Refrain from overloading electrical sockets. Spread out the draw appropriately to prevent sparking and firing.

If you plan to use power tools in your home, which as a DIYer is likely, you should have a RCD installed. RCD stands for ‘residual current device’.

Heating and Cooking Related Accidents

Nothing hurts worse than a bad burn or is more dangerous than a house ready to go up in flames. There are a few integral tips pertaining to the kitchen that must be followed.

Maintain clean air vents around fuel burning appliances. This will prevent the build up of deadly carbon monoxide.

DIY Related Accidents

Being a competent DIYer isn’t an easy job. You have to learn a lot and trust in yourself in order to make it happen. It’s a rewarding experience but sometimes it will lead you to experiencing potential dangerous accidents.

Even with the utmost care being taken there are still chances that something may go wrong during a DIY project. You can only train so much and be so safe before an accident strikes. If something occurs to injure you, or a loved one, that is not the fault of your own actions then consider getting a lawyer. If something was wrong with the tools that you used then they need to be brought to justice in order to aid your suffering.

Fitness enthusiasts who are considering opening up their own gym or fitness center need to remember the key element when it comes to real estate: location, location, location! The right location can make or break a new business, no matter what kind it is. Properly trained real estate agents will be able to provide details about specific locations that will help an entrepreneur choose the best possible place to build or open their business. Data concerning traffic, population, demographics and per capita income for each area are key elements in how well a new business will thrive in a particular area.

Go Where the Business Is

Gyms are often frequented by individuals who pass by them on their way to and from work or or other regularly scheduled activities. Opening a gym in an area that is frequently traveled by commuters can open up an entirely new demographic. Making the gym accessible is extremely important. A person who exercises on a regular basis will normally choose a facility that is convenient and doesn’t force them to go out of their way.

Knowing the type of clientele a person wants to draw to a facility will also play a large role in where the business should be located. If professional members are desired, the gym should be located closer to the business district. If a gym is designed to meet the needs of a more casual crowd, the facility should be located closer to residential areas. Finding a happy medium is not out of the question, but can put a damper on or the other groups, depending on the atmosphere of the facility.

Find an Existing Building

When opening a new business gym (or any other business for that matter), choosing an existing building can reduce the overall startup costs dramatically. If the owner chooses to build the facility from scratch, the cost can be overwhelming and create an obstacle that is difficult to overcome. An existing building negates the need for building permits, the cost of new materials and months of waiting while the facility is being built.

An existing building can be easily adapted into whatever the owner desires. Walls can be added or removed and the facilities can be upgraded to accommodate various different amenities including a juice bar, day care, or whatever else the owner wants to offer his or her clientele. Most existing buildings also have ample parking. Once a location is found that suits the business’s needs, the next step is making sure there is enough parking and making sure the building is accessible.

Cost

Knowing the financial means of the individuals who live near the gym’s location will be a large factor in whether or not residents in the area choose to frequent the facility. If the prices are too high, residents won’t be able to afford memberships. If the cost is too low, the facility may not be able to meet their obligations financially.

Putting a facility in a residential or commercial district will also play a role in how the business is taxed. Knowing what property taxes are for each particular area will help a new business owner make a wise decision about where to locate the business. In some cases, communities will help a business get established if it helps the community in return. Cities can offer tax incentives and other benefits to new business owners who choose to open a gym or store in a specific area.

The right location is extremely important if the owner wants it to succeed. Different neighborhoods offer various benefits. Knowing which ones make the most sense for opening a gym or fitness center will help the owner choose between a good location and the best location.

The equipment has been moved in, the staff has been hired and the new gym is set to open soon. However, before the doors swing open to welcome the public, it is imperative to protect the gym owner, its employees and its customers with the proper insurance coverage. Purchasing a strong policy that is tailored to meet the strenuous demands of the fitness industry is the best move a gym owner can make. This not only protects the gym owner. It also assures the public that the establishment is an ethical, professionally owned establishment that means serious business.

Insurance rates and requirements can vary from state to state. Consulting with an independent insurance broker is a good idea when trying to figure out exactly which insurance will work best for a particular establishment. The professional broker can help any gym owner choose the best options for that gym’s particular operation. A high impact, weight-oriented gym that has a lot of high tech equipment might require greater coverage than a simple yoga studio.

Generally speaking, one should consider purchasing not only liability insurance, but also unemployment insurance and workman’s compensation as well. Workman’s compensation insurance covers The private broker can explain the options and help gym owners choose the insurance policy that can optimize coverage for the most reasonable price.

As unfortunate as they are, accidents can happen in even the best of circumstances, regardless of any safety precautions that are put into place. Protecting oneself and the gym’s assets has never been more important than it is now. This is why it is crucial to purchase gym insurance coverage that protects the owner against bodily injury that can arise from rendering, or even failing to render, appropriate services.

A gym’s reputation is everything in today’s competitive environment. In addition to general liability insurance, professional injury liability insurance helps protect the gym owner from lawsuits that involve wrongful invasion of privacy, slander and libel.

Professional liability policies are also known as Errors and Omissions insurance policies. These policies cover court judgments against the gym’s owner that result from an unintentional error by the owner or his or her employees. For instance, if a gym employee neglects to inform a pregnant woman that certain equipment is not safe to use during her pregnancy and that woman injures herself using it, she can sue for damages.

Employment practices liability insurance is another essential type of insurance that is essential to a gym owner. This protects him or her from lawsuits filed by disgruntled employees that may sue for wrongful termination, sexual harassment or any type of discrimination that occurs at the workplace.

The successful independent gym will have the latest in body building equipment and will be located in a well-maintained building. Because of this, insurance should include coverage for all equipment, any devices attached to ceilings or walls, such as bars or mirrors, gym furnishings, flooring, lockers and the locker rooms themselves. Most independent gyms also use computers that also need to be covered. If the gym has a pro shop or café, these will need to be covered as well.

Building up a community starts with boosting up its children. Outside our main offices we were always seeing young children walking up and down the street, most of the time with no obvious destination. After a little research we discovered, there was little nothing for them to do in our small town. The only playground was located at the elementary school and was badly in need of repair. The local park had no playground equipment to speak of, only a baseball diamond and basketball court.

One thing the town had an abundance of was young children, most of them with nothing better to do than attempt to stay out of trouble. We put a few of our family oriented employees together and decided to work on an idea. We had many parents on staff who were active in school supported athletic events because their children were players.

We decided to start a fitness program for the children of our community. There was a large vacant lot next to our building. After a few questions and an impromptu meeting with a local realtor, we found the property was for sale. Within a few days it was ours and we began to figure out how we could make good use of the property.

With the purchase of the land, we now had enough room to try and entice the local kids into building a place where they could play and participate in athletic activities. We began talking to them and asking what they would like to have available to them. Within a few weeks, the idea for a playground was conceived. It wouldn’t be just any playground. It would have pieces of equipment that encourage dexterity and physical fitness.

A “log roller”, balance beam, climbing rock and pull up bar were included. We also put in a batting and pitching cage for the kids who enjoyed baseball. We paid members of our staff over time pay if they would each take turns supervising the “fitness center” for two or three hours a day. Within a month of the playground portion of the property being completed, we had an overflow of people who were willing to spend their time with the kids.

The neighborhood kids amazed us as well. No longer did they wander aimlessly through the neighborhood. They would come running to spend time at the facility. Many times, they would ask if there was anything they could do to help with the next stage of the property. They gave us new ideas about different things we could add to make the property more kid friendly and athletically motivated.

We added a snack machines full of nutritious granola bars and juice boxes. The lot was large enough for a modestly sized athletic field with a surrounding track. Our employees and their kids began to put together leagues for soccer, baseball, swim meets and flag football. The neighborhood kids began to bring their siblings and friends to the field for a chance to play.

It is truly amazing when you start a small project for a few underprivileged kids and end up having the entire community rally behind you. We planted a small seed that has grown into city wide project for every child.

Looking to add a home fitness area to your garage? The process can be quite easy, and relatively inexpensive. From free weights to home gym systems to cardio equipment, you can easily equip your garage and turn it into your own home gym.

One benefit of turning your garage into a fitness area, is that it is typically a large, rectangular area that can be easily freed up for space. Simply park your car outside, clean the floor, and get rid of any extra clutter that you do not need. Then, add these pieces and get your workout started:

Lighting and Flooring

In order to get a good workout and be comfortable at the same time, you need to have the proper lighting. You can find more information about all types of garage lights at garagelightinghq.com. For the floor, a good thick rubber mat works best.

Machines

Home gym machines (like theses), typically called an ‘all-in-one machine’ are a great idea for the garage. Typically your garage will have enough room for you to move from one exercise to the next, and complete it correctly, which is important with home gym equipment.

Additionally, a home gym will come with its own resistance, which can save you money in the long run.

Free Weights

Whether you decide to purchase an all-in-one home gym, that comes equipped with multiple stations and weight plates or not, you will still want to have a good, quality set of dumbbells on hand. Free weights can really help you get into great shape quickly.

You will want a set of varying weights, from light to heavy, and you may even choose to purchase an adjustable set, that takes up less space. These are available from companies like Bowflex and Powerblock.

Those who lift very heavy weights will also want a barbell, and plates. A barbell breaks down easily, and can be stored in a corner, with the plates stacking one on top of the other. Great for saving space!

Cardio Equipment

If you have the room in your garage, you might consider purchasing a piece of cardio equipment, such as a stationary bike, a stair stepper or even an elliptical machine. Before investing in one of these, think about what you prefer to do when it comes to cardiovascular exercise: For example, if you hate to run, a treadmill might not be a wise investment. Think about which activity you are most likely to enjoy doing, and enjoy doing several times a week.

Cardio equipment is perfect for those who live in states with extreme cold (or hot) weather, where you cannot get out and run, walk or bike on a daily basis.

Additional Fitness Equipment

And finally, you will want to round out your fitness area with pieces like a stability ball for abdominal work, a mat for pushups and sits, maybe a pull up bar, and even some resistance tubing for days when you do not want to work out with weights.

If you find that you are doing longer cardio workouts in your garage, mounting a television might be a good idea, too. It will give you something to watch while you work out, or install a stereo or MP3 system in order to play music while you exercise. Motivation is key. You might have the gym, but if you never use it, it will not work for you.

Ever since the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (more commonly known as ObamaCare) started, a lot of people have benefited. Many did gain access to affordable and quality health insurance, and it was somewhat effective in reducing the growth in healthcare spending. But for some reason many also do not approve of it, in particular the white and wealthy. While it has positively impacted the lives of the unhealthy, it seems to have negative effects on the lives of healthy and well-off Americans. And what’s even more interesting is that we don’t see much support from those people ObamaCare benefits.

One study

On February 24, 2014, the Urban Institute published the results of an opinion polling with regards to ObamaCare. This is what they discovered – that “Americans most likely to have unfavorable view of the Affordable Care Act are in the middle- and higher-income groups, have private insurance, are in very good/excellent health, are white, and live in rural areas. Those most likely to have no opinion include the groups most likely to benefit from the law – those in fair/poor health, those with lower incomes, the uninsured, nonwhites and Hispanics, high school graduates (or less), and the young.”

Re-distributive process

According to a local insurance agent I talked to, most of the time healthy individuals are those who can afford health insurance, hospital bills and medication, those who are more knowledgeable with regards to healthcare, those who have stable jobs, those who aren’t always subject to racism and discrimination. By studying the poll results, it appears that ObamaCare, to some degree, uses a re-distributive process in achieving its goals. And by that it means that it reallocates wealth from healthy individuals to unhealthy citizens. So now you can begin to understand why so many people, especially the healthy and wealthy, always seem to be fussing about the ACA.

Who likes Obamacare?

More findings include that “those who said they were affected by at least one of the early benefit provisions of the law had a more favorable opinion of the ACA than those who said they had not been so affected (or were unsure)… Large proportions of uninsured adults, particularly whites and middle-income adults, were more likely to have an unfavorable than a favorable opinion of the law. In addition, the uninsured most likely to benefit from the ACA expressed only weak support for it and were more likely to have no opinion than to have a favorable view.”

Lack of education

So why do people who benefit from ObamaCare seem to be so indifferent and unappreciative of something that has been able to help them out? Well, the problem isn’t in the people. The problem is that there is a lack of public education, and those that ACA actually helps don’t quite understand it or how to take advantage of it. So rather than praising it, they either have weak opinions of it or no opinion at all. Here’s hoping the government was able to spend a bit of their time reading the poll, as it serves as a call for them to reassess and hopefully do a re-branding of the ACA.

Exercise and balanced diet can work together to optimize your body and skin health. For most of us, it’s very difficult to balance a fit body and optimal skin appearance over an extended period of time. While body fat does make your face look better, you really need to work hard at lowering it down if you want to get into better shape. Is there a way to stay fit and beautiful at the same time? Being informed of the right nutrition and exercise can give you your best glow ever.

Skin Health and Nutrition

Most people have experienced and struggled with skin conditions at some point in time. Skin problems like acne, rosacea, dark spots, dry skin, and wrinkles are just some of the common issues people of all ages encounter. Where have they gone wrong? Perhaps, imbalanced nutrition is the culprit. Your skin is what you eat. Your food choices directly influence the health and vibrancy of your skin. By making simple changes to your daily diet, you can greatly improve the appearance of your skin.

One of the most effective ways to treat skin conditions and improve the appearance of your skin is to consume foods rich in nutrients known to play a role in the growth and immunity of one’s skin. Having vitamin A in your diet is essential in the treatment of skin conditions like acne, eczema, cold sores, sun burn, psoriasis and ichthyosis. Vitamin A contains retinol, an important nutrient that helps diminish visible signs of aging and complements the skin’s natural process to reduce the appearance of pore size.

Increasing the amount of vitamin C in the diet also contributes to improved skin health and faster healing. Dark leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, bell pepper, guava, and strawberries are some of the highest sources of vitamin A. Zinc is another essential mineral necessary for the skin’s immune function, protein synthesis, DNA synthesis and cell division. Dietary sources of zinc include red meat from beef and lamb, organ meats, seafoods, pumpkin seeds and nuts among others.

Exercise Your Way to a Healthier Skin

A daily consumption of certain nutrients good for the skin will be put to waste if you didn’t circulate them with exercise. Doing regular exercise can make your skin look and feel fantastic. Working up a good sweat dilates your pores and expels trapped dirt and oil from your skin. When you exercise, your skin opens up and allows blood to circulate and deliver nutrients to areas damaged by the sun and environmental pollutants. Because nutrients are delivered efficiently, the collagen producing cells in the skin known as fibroblasts are also able to function fully making you look younger.

Exercise is the best way to achieve increased circulation in your body. If you get up and went for a walk or a run, your heart pumps up more liters of blood per minute. Increased blood flow revs up the immune system because white blood cell production is optimized. This means fewer bacteria and viruses could creep up your system. Lastly, exercise alerts your body to the stress hormone cortisol which enhances sleep. Sleeping better makes your skin fresh and younger looking. Simply put, exercising boosts your skin health and adds a natural glow on your face.

Swimming is one exercise that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. From infants to the elderly, being in the water offers a variety of therapeutic benefits. Even people who have a debilitating illness that makes movement difficult can benefit from a short period of exercise in the pool. Regular aquatic exercise is extremely beneficial for the heart and circulatory system and can also strengthen other muscle groups within the body.

Reduces the Effects of Gravity

On land, gravity can make it difficult to perform many different kinds of exercise, especially if a person is hindered by limited mobility or excess weight. Pool experts agree that water reduces the affect gravity has on the body and creates a weightless environment to exercise in. A person who is moving in the water, no longer has to fight gravity. Instead, the only thing offering resistance is the water itself. Exercise, water aerobics and playing pool games are some of the best ways to reduce the effects of gravity.

Being in a weightless state offers the body the ability to move freely. For individuals with disabilities, this freedom of movement provides them the means to exercise in ways there body will permit. Muscle groups are used that normally are not targeted during other types of exercise. Because more muscles are used and there is less gravity to pull on the body, the joints are allowed to move without being stressed.

Burns an Abundance of Calories

Aquatic exercise involves the entire body. Even if one part of the body is not being used, the water surrounding it is pushing it along, providing a modest amount of resistance. If a person is exercising slowly and steadily, they can burn as many as 500 calories per hour. An individual who is exercising vigorously can burn as many as 700 calories in an hour. The main point to be taken from this is that, movement in the water uses all parts of the body in a way exercise on land does not.

Aerobics and other cardio exercises performed outside of the pool only work specific parts of the body. In the water, the entire body receives benefit. The water creates resistance equal to the amount of force used to move the body through it. If a person moves forcefully through the water, the water resists that movement with the same amount of force, burning more calories and increasing muscle strength. Physical endurance is also increased.

Improves Range of Motion and Flexibility

In the weightless environment water provides, joints are able to move without the stress of the body’s mass forcing them to move in ways that are uncomfortable. Moving the body through the water, strengthens the muscles without stressing the joints. For individuals with arthritis or other forms of joint and bone disease, swimming is the most beneficial way to exercise. If a condition has progressed to the point where range of motion is limited, exercising in the pool can gradually reverse a portion of the damage.

The more a person swims or exercises in the water, the more range of motion they can achieve. Increasing flexibility is vitally important as a person ages. Many people limit their activity because exercise is painful. Given the opportunity to exercise in a swimming pool offers them a chance to improve their mobility with little to no pain. With regular exercise, they can regain their strength, improve their range of motion and reduce pain and swelling in various parts of the body caused by chronic illness.

With all of the physical benefits swimming has to offer, there are other benefits as well. The soothing feel of the water as a person floats or gently glides across the surface is extremely relaxing. Swimming provides health benefits on a holistic. Every part of the body, mind and spirit can benefits from regular aquatic exercise.

Personally, I do not understand why nearly every drug store in the country sells liquor and tobacco products. That is why I breathed a sigh of relief when I heard that CVS is now removing cigarettes from its shelves. Cigarette smoking, as we all know and as many tend to deny, are related to a whole lot of health conditions. From respiratory problems to cancer, the habit can have negative effects on almost, if not all, every part of the body. And I think other drug stores should follow in CVS’s footsteps.

A study conducted in 2011 found that more than 32% of pharmacies actually condone the sale of tobacco products. And the California Department of Public Health says that if things continue as they are, 15% of all cigarette sales in the country will be from these establishments, which is ridiculous since pharmacy services should be related to health care and not health demise!

A close friend of mine is an injury lawyer in Portland, Oregon. He said that smoking cigarettes results in nearly half a million deaths each year. That is about 1 in 5 deaths! Smoking deaths are more than the sum total of HIV deaths, illegal drugs, alcohol, auto accidents and firearm-related deaths.

Even President Barack Obama is impressed with the company’s move, saying “As one of the largest retailers and pharmacies in America, CVS Caremark sets a powerful example, and today’s decision will help advance my administration’s efforts to reduce tobacco-related deaths, cancer, and heart disease, as well as bring down health care costs — ultimately saving lives and protecting untold numbers of families from pain and heartbreak for years to come.”

Indeed, the company wants to set an example. Larry J. Merlo, the president and CEO of CVS Caremark stated that “Ending the sale of cigarettes and tobacco products at CVS/pharmacy is the right thing for us to do for our customers and our company to help people on their path to better health. Put simply, the sale of tobacco products is inconsistent with our purpose.”

But that’s not all CVS has planned. CNN reports that the company will also be starting a smoking-cessation program which will focus on public health teachings to further increase people’s awareness about the dangers of smoking, as well as offer smokers the help that they need to successfully quit their nicotine addiction. Sure the number of smoker today is now down to just 19% as compared to the 42% in the 1960s, but still the habit has led to over 5 million deaths each year.

Various health associations in the US, such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Medical Association, American Lung Association and American Pharmacists Association have long been advocating to stop cigarette sales in retail outlets with pharmaceutical services, and CVS’s decision to cooperate will hopefully inspire other people, establishments and companies to support the cause.

“We need an all-hands-on-deck effort to take tobacco products out of the hands of America’s young generation, and to help those who are addicted to quit. Today’s CVS Caremark announcement helps bring our country closer to achieving a tobacco-free generation. I hope others will follow their lead,” shares Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. However, there still is no news of whether or not other drug stores plan on doing so.

As a health conscious individual, I find myself drawn to organic products. When it comes to meat, I prefer eating grass feed beef as I consider this a great way to enjoy red meat without its evil side. Yes, naturally-raised and organic beef is the better option because it is recognized worldwide for its fantastic taste, fine quality, and health benefits. Many chefs and health experts around the world believe that grass feed beef contains vitamins and antioxidants that are good for the body. Grass feed beef is, therefore better for both adults and children who want to live healthier, longer lives. But, not all grass is considered equal, check out this website for a list of the best types of grass seed.

Why Grass Feed Beef is the Better Choice

There’s actually truth to the saying, “You are what you eat”. Studies have shown that people who eat healthy, organic food live longer lives than those who don’t. It’s also the same for animals. Lambs, cows, chickens and goats that are grass fed resulted to more delicious and healthier meat than conventional cattle. Here are the reasons why grass feed beef is great for children and adults.

It contains plenty of healthy omega-3 fatty acids

It has a lot of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a type of fat that helps reduce the risk for cancer and heart disease.

It is rich in vitamins A and E, and antioxidants.

It has more lean beef, which means less total fat.

It helps reduce bad cholesterol while it increases good cholesterol in the body.

Make Grass Feed Beef a Part of Your Child’s Diet

Meat should be part of your child’s balanced diet as it is a great source of protein, calcium, vitamins and nutrients. While most of us have been raised eating conventional meat, recent studies have shown that these types of meat contain toxins and pollutants harmful to the body. Animals raised with the use of antibiotics, artificial food, and genetic engineering contain cancer-causing hormones. When consumed, these chemicals can stay in your child’s living tissues and cause severe problems later on in life. The more unhealthy meat your child eats, the more he/she is at risk for a variety of cancers and many other diseases. One of the greatest gifts that you can give your child is, therefore, grass feed meat.

Be Sure to Check the Label

When buying meat for your family, check the label to make sure that you’re buying certified organic beef, pork, or poultry. These are grass fed animals raised in a much more holistic environment than conventional cattle. Grass fed cattle is also known to be less susceptible to contamination with disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli. Thus, always check the label to make sure that you’re buying genuine organic products.

Choose Restaurants that Serve Grass Feed Beef

There are now a number of restaurants in the US that serve grass feed beef. Evos, Pizza Fusion, Gustorganics and Amanda’s are some restaurants that you and your child can go to. Burgerville and Bareburger are also two burger joints that you can go to as these are places that serve great tasting, juicy, organic burgers.

Grass Feed Beef is Definitely Great for your Child

Raising children may be hard work than it seems, but love is always what matters in the end. Raising your child with grass feed beef means that you care about what they eat, and want them to grow and develop into healthy individuals. Feeding a child with grass feed beef is, therefore, the perfect manifestation of a parent’s love for their child.